In the early morning hours of September 29, 2022, the life of 61-year-old Gregory D. Ultican was brought to a sudden and violent end in a residence in Blue Springs, Missouri. A talented painter known for his gentle soul and love for the outdoors, Gregory was fatally shot inside a home in the 600 block of SW 17th Street.
Responding to a shooting call at approximately 3:45 a.m., Blue Springs police officers discovered Gregory on a couch, bleeding from his head.
Despite first aid efforts and transportation to a local hospital, he was pronounced dead. The initial report to the police came from a family member who identified the shooter as Gregory's cousin, Jeffrey A. Ultican, a 64-year-old man who was also present at the residence.
Upon their arrival, officers encountered Jeffrey Ultican at the front door. He was taken into custody without incident, informing the officers of a loaded handgun in his pocket. A subsequent search also revealed a small quantity of methamphetamine and a meth pipe in his possession. The investigation that followed painted a grim picture of the days leading up to the fatal shooting. Witnesses informed police that Jeffrey had been using methamphetamine and experiencing hallucinations, becoming increasingly paranoid about prowlers in the area. In the hours before the shooting, his behavior had reportedly become more erratic, and he and Gregory had been arguing.
Following the sound of a gunshot, a witness reported hearing Jeffrey Ultican make incriminating statements, including, 'You made me shoot him.' During his interview with detectives, Jeffrey offered a conflicting account, suggesting his cousin had taken his own life. However, the evidence at the scene and witness statements contradicted his claim. Subsequently, the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office charged Jeffrey A. Ultican with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with his cousin's death. Prosecutors requested a cash bond of $250,000, citing the defendant's irrational behavior and apparent hallucinations.
